I just finished reading read a short novel, manuscript edition, entitled "Lilies Also Grow in America" The auther is Tom Layton of Simi Valley, California
The setting is North Beach all the way. The time period is 1984 to 2006 with SS Peter & Paul’s pastor and a former pastor in minor roles.
The story, in the words of the author, is a fictional account of the true story of St. Maria Goretti and her murderer, set in 1984 San Francisco. The factional characters and essential elements of the historical event are presented. The American Maria Goretti of 1984 is the Italian Maria Goretti of 1902. The Italian Serenelli of 1902 is the American Serenelli of 1984.
Why did the author choose North Beach as the setting for the tale? For two reasons (1) Maria was baptized in the Church of San Francisco in Corinaldo, Italy, where she was born and (2) because of the Italian influence found in San Francisco’s North Beach area.
The novel is an easy read. The martyrdom of Maria Goretti and her heroic virtue present a compelling story, with a powerful lesson for young people of today. St. Maria Goretti is a saint for our times and devotion to her strongly promotes an appreciation for purity of heart and body, in a world which needs repair from the sexual revolution which has done so much damage to our city and country.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Columbine Revisited
Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address a House Judiciary subcommittee. What he said to our congressmen during this special session was painfully truthful. His was a voice crying in the wilderness, but what he had to say, though the Media seemed to ignore it, needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed,
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed,
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Voice
I do not know where I picked up this story, but the “Good Shepherd”
mention in the second to the last sentence caught my attention.
“A young man was faced with making an important decision that
would affect the course of his life. He considered his grand-
mother to be the wisest person he knew, and so he went to see
her. ‘Grandmother,’ he said, ‘I need to make the right decision
about my life and I've prayed about it, but I just can't
decide. Nothing happens when I pray. Tell me please, how can
I hear the voice of God?’
“The grandmother thought for a while, then replied, ‘My dear grandson,
I have quite a different problem and, because of it, I don't think
I can help you. You see, I cannot not hear the voice of God.’
“You hear what you want to hear. You hear what you're listening
for. If you want to hear the voice of God, you cannot not hear
it. God never gives up on you. God never stops inviting you
to be His own. The Good Shepherd always keeps you within
calling distance. If you don't hear Him it's not because He's
too far away or He's not speaking loudly enough. It's because
you are listening for other voices.’”
mention in the second to the last sentence caught my attention.
“A young man was faced with making an important decision that
would affect the course of his life. He considered his grand-
mother to be the wisest person he knew, and so he went to see
her. ‘Grandmother,’ he said, ‘I need to make the right decision
about my life and I've prayed about it, but I just can't
decide. Nothing happens when I pray. Tell me please, how can
I hear the voice of God?’
“The grandmother thought for a while, then replied, ‘My dear grandson,
I have quite a different problem and, because of it, I don't think
I can help you. You see, I cannot not hear the voice of God.’
“You hear what you want to hear. You hear what you're listening
for. If you want to hear the voice of God, you cannot not hear
it. God never gives up on you. God never stops inviting you
to be His own. The Good Shepherd always keeps you within
calling distance. If you don't hear Him it's not because He's
too far away or He's not speaking loudly enough. It's because
you are listening for other voices.’”
Monday, May 28, 2007
Fr. Euteneuer tells it like it is!
More on the "Gang of 18"
Catholic Priest Invites Gang of 18 To Leave Church
"FRONT ROYAL, VA — The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, STL, president of Human Life International, (HLI) today said “Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) and seventeen other members of Congress who describe themselves as Catholic not only are ignorant of their faith but also need a civics lesson.”
Read the whole thing
And read Father Malloy's May 17 "Pastor's Message" on the same subject.
Catholic Priest Invites Gang of 18 To Leave Church
"FRONT ROYAL, VA — The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, STL, president of Human Life International, (HLI) today said “Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) and seventeen other members of Congress who describe themselves as Catholic not only are ignorant of their faith but also need a civics lesson.”
Read the whole thing
And read Father Malloy's May 17 "Pastor's Message" on the same subject.
Intelligent Design
I saw the ad in the San Francisco Chronicle this morning: Intelligent Design by Family Builders by Adoption.
The ad is directed to the "LBGT community." There are hundreds of children waiting for adoption, but to place them in families of homosexuals, can hardly be seen as a favor, and that is what Family Builders wants to do. Unfortunately it has the support of CYO.
I recall the admonition of Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo: same-sex adoption was "an act of moral violence" against a child.
How can we support our family structure, which is the basis of a strong nation, if we allow the very concept of family to be altered? Of course, by changing the definition of marriage to include same-sex, we are facilitating the process, and contributing to the destruction of the moral basis on which family is built.
"California Catholic Daily" is on the case.
The ad is directed to the "LBGT community." There are hundreds of children waiting for adoption, but to place them in families of homosexuals, can hardly be seen as a favor, and that is what Family Builders wants to do. Unfortunately it has the support of CYO.
I recall the admonition of Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo: same-sex adoption was "an act of moral violence" against a child.
How can we support our family structure, which is the basis of a strong nation, if we allow the very concept of family to be altered? Of course, by changing the definition of marriage to include same-sex, we are facilitating the process, and contributing to the destruction of the moral basis on which family is built.
"California Catholic Daily" is on the case.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Thanks, Gibbons. It wears well for Weare.
"Fr. Kenneth Weare’s defense of the USF’s McLaren College of Business having Congresswoman Pelosi as their commencement speaker (CSF 5/25/2007) is breathtaking in its lameness. Fr. Weare argues that those who object to Pelosi’s presence because of her career-long support of abortion risk becoming “Cafeteria Catholics” – driven by a single issue. Fr. Weare thus reduces abortion to one issue among others—as if the several issues had the same weight, so that choosing between them means no more than, say, a choice of chocolate or vanilla ice-cream. In so doing, he is in a flat-out flight from reality. Any issue involving human “rights” you care to name—immigration, poverty, health care, the war in Iraq—only has meaning if the prior right to life is recognized. Not for nothing did Jefferson enunciate the right to “Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness”, and in just that order. Like a programmer, he knew each term was necessary for those that followed. Otherwise, system failure. Without life, no liberty. Without life & liberty, no pursuit of happiness. All social “rights” are secondary to, and derivative from, the right to life. It’s only when we recognize rights in their proper hierarchy that we can make proper judgments. Old-timers tell me the Jesuits used to be able to grasp this."
Gibbons Cooney
San Francisco
Gibbons Cooney
San Francisco
Friday, May 25, 2007
Comments Activated
Thanks to Caroline for letting us know that our comments function had only limited access. It is now fixed.
Cafeteria Catholic?
I was disappointed that a Catholic University (USF) would fail to heed the voice of our Catholic Bishops of the USA and invite an abortion proponent to present the major address at a commencement ceremony. But the article defending the choice and offering the objections thereto only exacerbated the situation, and made the divide even greater between those who want to follow the Magisterium and those who want to make deals.
Our "Catholic San Francisco" story of the event attempted to be fair and balanced. I really want to take issue with an adjunct professor of Social Ethics, Fr. Weare's remarks: those "who aggressively enforce an almost single issue campaign...can perpetuate and validate the negative label of 'Cafeteria Catholic.’. Within the context of a divided if not uneducated populace, the forced establishment of laws contrary to the common morality--such as it is--could be detrimental." He's talking about abortion. It sure can be detrimental. Detrimental in a murderous way to millions of aborted babies! And if the populace is uneducated, what are you, Father, doing to promote the prime right of everyone: the right to life?
The priest goes on to state "the congresswoman is by far much more in line with the body of Catholic moral teaching than Bush ever was." Really? That statement doesn’t 'cut any ice', as we used to argue. How can Nancy Pelosi be in line with Catholic moral teaching when she is as, Professor Dennehy correctly called her "a major facilitator in mass murder."
The last paragraph of the Catholic San Francisco tells it all. Over the years Nancy Pelosi has helped USF receive millions of dollars from the federal government. I suggest the least USF could do for Nancy would be to instruct her in her Catholic faith, admonish her that she cannot receive Communion and support abortion, and pray for her soul, as I do daily.
Our "Catholic San Francisco" story of the event attempted to be fair and balanced. I really want to take issue with an adjunct professor of Social Ethics, Fr. Weare's remarks: those "who aggressively enforce an almost single issue campaign...can perpetuate and validate the negative label of 'Cafeteria Catholic.’. Within the context of a divided if not uneducated populace, the forced establishment of laws contrary to the common morality--such as it is--could be detrimental." He's talking about abortion. It sure can be detrimental. Detrimental in a murderous way to millions of aborted babies! And if the populace is uneducated, what are you, Father, doing to promote the prime right of everyone: the right to life?
The priest goes on to state "the congresswoman is by far much more in line with the body of Catholic moral teaching than Bush ever was." Really? That statement doesn’t 'cut any ice', as we used to argue. How can Nancy Pelosi be in line with Catholic moral teaching when she is as, Professor Dennehy correctly called her "a major facilitator in mass murder."
The last paragraph of the Catholic San Francisco tells it all. Over the years Nancy Pelosi has helped USF receive millions of dollars from the federal government. I suggest the least USF could do for Nancy would be to instruct her in her Catholic faith, admonish her that she cannot receive Communion and support abortion, and pray for her soul, as I do daily.
Academy of Art University Graduation
For some years I have been offering the Invocation and Benediction at our San Francisco Academy of Art University. It's a rewarding experience to see the giant strides that this institution of higher learning has achieved in the past six years that I have known it.
I was delighted to meet Bill Russell and Jim Brown, who received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters, and share the stage with them and with Dr. Lisa Stephens, President of the University, and the dozens of dedicated professors, who teach more than 10,000 students.
The graduation itself was preceded by a PowerPoint art display produced this past year--an amazing testimonial of the excellent art program.
The deportment of the students, as usual was respectful and attentive. When I was first invited to give the Invocation and Benediction I was a bit fearful of college students, having myself been present at many graduations where a bit of chaos reigned. What would happen with artists, enrolled from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds when it came time to pray? They are true ladies and gentlemen. They even laughed at my jokes, which preceded the final Benediction!
I was delighted to meet Bill Russell and Jim Brown, who received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters, and share the stage with them and with Dr. Lisa Stephens, President of the University, and the dozens of dedicated professors, who teach more than 10,000 students.
The graduation itself was preceded by a PowerPoint art display produced this past year--an amazing testimonial of the excellent art program.
The deportment of the students, as usual was respectful and attentive. When I was first invited to give the Invocation and Benediction I was a bit fearful of college students, having myself been present at many graduations where a bit of chaos reigned. What would happen with artists, enrolled from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds when it came time to pray? They are true ladies and gentlemen. They even laughed at my jokes, which preceded the final Benediction!
Thanks, Gerald, at "The Cafeteria is Closed"!
Thanks to Gerald Augustinus, over at "The Cafeteria is Closed" for welcoming us to the blogosphere:
Friday, May 25, 2007
An outspoken priest
From California Catholic Daily comes this about Fr. John Malloy SDB, who's been pastor of Saints Peter & Paul in San Francisco for six years and is now being transferred (nothing sinister, he had been appointed for six years). As it happens, I'll be there for lunch with the good fathers next week. Fr. Malloy has a blog. He is 85 years young, as he says."
Read the whole thing!
Also, be sure to check out Gerald's fantastic photos of Saints Peter and Paul!
Friday, May 25, 2007
An outspoken priest
From California Catholic Daily comes this about Fr. John Malloy SDB, who's been pastor of Saints Peter & Paul in San Francisco for six years and is now being transferred (nothing sinister, he had been appointed for six years). As it happens, I'll be there for lunch with the good fathers next week. Fr. Malloy has a blog. He is 85 years young, as he says."
Read the whole thing!
Also, be sure to check out Gerald's fantastic photos of Saints Peter and Paul!
Thanks, Amy, at "Open Book"!
Thanks to Amy Wellborn at "Open Book" for welcoming us to the blogosphere:
"Blogging and Blegging about...
85-year old Salesian Father John Malloy, whom some of you will remember from his strong words for Nancy Pelosi,..has a blog!"
"Blogging and Blegging about...
85-year old Salesian Father John Malloy, whom some of you will remember from his strong words for Nancy Pelosi,..has a blog!"
Thursday, May 24, 2007
All Children?
Here's a message I received from Nancy Pelosi
May 24, 2007
Dear San Franciscan,
When I was sworn in as Speaker, I did so surrounded by children, because they must be the center of our work here in Congress. On May 22, House Democrats held a National Summit on America's Children, an historic event which brought experts from across the country to Congress to discuss our nation's most vital resource - our children.
... Thirty-five members of Congress, over 300 academics, advocates, community leaders and CEOs, and thousands online joined these experts and participated in panels on the Science of Early Childhood Development; Early Learning; Health and Mental Health; and Income and Family Support.We take seriously our responsibility to America's future - our children.
Congress will set a new direction for the next generation by prioritizing legislation that strengthens the future of America's children, including reauthorizing Head Start, improving early childhood workforce quality through the Higher Education reauthorization act, expanding SCHIP, and making housing affordable for families.
Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
This mailing was prepared, published and mailed at taxpayer expense
Great letter and good news, but are you not missing something, Nancy? What about the millions of children that are not alive to share the benefit of your National Summit, through the support of abortion, which you have promoted so strongly?
May 24, 2007
Dear San Franciscan,
When I was sworn in as Speaker, I did so surrounded by children, because they must be the center of our work here in Congress. On May 22, House Democrats held a National Summit on America's Children, an historic event which brought experts from across the country to Congress to discuss our nation's most vital resource - our children.
... Thirty-five members of Congress, over 300 academics, advocates, community leaders and CEOs, and thousands online joined these experts and participated in panels on the Science of Early Childhood Development; Early Learning; Health and Mental Health; and Income and Family Support.We take seriously our responsibility to America's future - our children.
Congress will set a new direction for the next generation by prioritizing legislation that strengthens the future of America's children, including reauthorizing Head Start, improving early childhood workforce quality through the Higher Education reauthorization act, expanding SCHIP, and making housing affordable for families.
Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
This mailing was prepared, published and mailed at taxpayer expense
Great letter and good news, but are you not missing something, Nancy? What about the millions of children that are not alive to share the benefit of your National Summit, through the support of abortion, which you have promoted so strongly?
Thanks to "L.A. Catholic"!
Thanks to Quintero over at "L.A. Catholic" for welcoming us to the Blogosphere:
"Fighting Father Malloy now has a Blogspot"
"You'll remember Salesian Father John Malloy of Ss. Peter & Paul Church in San Francisco as the pro-life pastor whose letter to the editor in the San Francisco Chronicle this past January 9 said abortion fanatic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not a Catholic in good standing with the Church. "
Read the whole thing!
"Fighting Father Malloy now has a Blogspot"
"You'll remember Salesian Father John Malloy of Ss. Peter & Paul Church in San Francisco as the pro-life pastor whose letter to the editor in the San Francisco Chronicle this past January 9 said abortion fanatic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not a Catholic in good standing with the Church. "
Read the whole thing!
"Freedom to Serve the Common Good"
I would like to pick up on a thought expressed by Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor in a recent talk: “I want to appeal …for the freedom to believe and the freedom to serve the common good according to the convictions of our faith. For it is in the nature of who we Christians are to serve society, to be recognized by the sign of love, and to discover for ourselves and lead others to discover the inviolable dignity of every human person.-- freedom to serve…according to the convictions of our faith.”
Why do some of our Christian politicians attempt to exclude religion from public life and call it neutral? The “separation of Church and state” is often espoused by courts and Secularists, with non-religious beliefs being given precedence over religious ones. It's OK to fund an atheist group and a transsexual group with tax dollars, but not religious groups! This is clear discrimination - and it has nothing to do with the First Amendment. The Founders didn't want a state church, but they encouraged freedom of practice.
Some of our Catholic politicians declare that they don’t want to “force their religious beliefs on others.” Logic should tell them that such positions only lead to non-religious beliefs being forced on others. The abortion issue is a case in point. The Catholic politician states his/her personal positon may be against it, but “considering the political leanings of my constituents. I have to vote for abortion.” --unconscionable, duplicitous, venal, and self-serving! Should not every politician vote his/her moral position on every social issue? Our California Assembly supports same-sex marriage. At least they are standing up for what they want to see changed, in spite of the vote of Californians to the contrary! Why cannot our Catholic politicians, if they honestly support the moral truths of the religion they profess, do the same? If all of our Catholic politicians voted for life, we would have no abortion.
A strange phenomenon is taking place in our political world: “the minority is ruling the majority.” The movement is cloaked in words like tolerance, diversity, open-mindedness etc. People are easily shamed into silence. At first they demand tolerance. Next comes the call for acceptance. The liberal position is quite illiberal! And then political correctness becomes just another form of totalitarianism, That’s why our California lawmakers can get away with their efforts to impose same sex marriage on Californians.
“They are free to believe what they like,” The Cardinal said, “because the state ‘has no beliefs’. What looks like liberality is in reality a radical exclusion of religion from the public sphere, and such an exclusion does deep harm to the tolerance and inclusivity which has worked so well for so long.”
Why do some of our Christian politicians attempt to exclude religion from public life and call it neutral? The “separation of Church and state” is often espoused by courts and Secularists, with non-religious beliefs being given precedence over religious ones. It's OK to fund an atheist group and a transsexual group with tax dollars, but not religious groups! This is clear discrimination - and it has nothing to do with the First Amendment. The Founders didn't want a state church, but they encouraged freedom of practice.
Some of our Catholic politicians declare that they don’t want to “force their religious beliefs on others.” Logic should tell them that such positions only lead to non-religious beliefs being forced on others. The abortion issue is a case in point. The Catholic politician states his/her personal positon may be against it, but “considering the political leanings of my constituents. I have to vote for abortion.” --unconscionable, duplicitous, venal, and self-serving! Should not every politician vote his/her moral position on every social issue? Our California Assembly supports same-sex marriage. At least they are standing up for what they want to see changed, in spite of the vote of Californians to the contrary! Why cannot our Catholic politicians, if they honestly support the moral truths of the religion they profess, do the same? If all of our Catholic politicians voted for life, we would have no abortion.
A strange phenomenon is taking place in our political world: “the minority is ruling the majority.” The movement is cloaked in words like tolerance, diversity, open-mindedness etc. People are easily shamed into silence. At first they demand tolerance. Next comes the call for acceptance. The liberal position is quite illiberal! And then political correctness becomes just another form of totalitarianism, That’s why our California lawmakers can get away with their efforts to impose same sex marriage on Californians.
“They are free to believe what they like,” The Cardinal said, “because the state ‘has no beliefs’. What looks like liberality is in reality a radical exclusion of religion from the public sphere, and such an exclusion does deep harm to the tolerance and inclusivity which has worked so well for so long.”
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Rotten Apples
I was thinking today about rotten apples. Don’t throw away the whole thing because it has a bruised spot. You can save most of the apple that begins to spoil by cutting off that piece. The rest can make a great pie. My mother made the best apple pies in the whole world and the apples were chosen carefully!
But I thought of rotten apples in connection with this year's commencement address, given last weekend, at the University of San Francisco.
The address was given by the Speaker of the House. She spoke glowingly of Senator Leo McCarthy, who did so many great things for California: “McCarthy's honorary degree citation states, ‘Throughout his political career, Leo T. McCarthy was a champion of social and economic justice, and he pursued an agenda to educate children; protect the environment; and safeguard the rights and healthcare of the aged and the infirmed, farm workers, nursing home residents, and minorities.’”
The bruised part of this bright apple was Leo’s championing of abortion. Kudos to him for his work to educate children, and the good he accomplished; but for the unborn children he had no concern.
So sad! A man of his stature and power could have done so much to promote the culture of life, but he chose the other road.
Pray for Leo for the good he has done, and pray for him to help make up for the terrible abortion laws he promoted. That part of the apple has to be cut away; we can help by our prayers and our promotion of the culture of life.
But I thought of rotten apples in connection with this year's commencement address, given last weekend, at the University of San Francisco.
The address was given by the Speaker of the House. She spoke glowingly of Senator Leo McCarthy, who did so many great things for California: “McCarthy's honorary degree citation states, ‘Throughout his political career, Leo T. McCarthy was a champion of social and economic justice, and he pursued an agenda to educate children; protect the environment; and safeguard the rights and healthcare of the aged and the infirmed, farm workers, nursing home residents, and minorities.’”
The bruised part of this bright apple was Leo’s championing of abortion. Kudos to him for his work to educate children, and the good he accomplished; but for the unborn children he had no concern.
So sad! A man of his stature and power could have done so much to promote the culture of life, but he chose the other road.
Pray for Leo for the good he has done, and pray for him to help make up for the terrible abortion laws he promoted. That part of the apple has to be cut away; we can help by our prayers and our promotion of the culture of life.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Jefferson and the "Wall of Separation"
Cynthia Tucker’s Op Ed piece in the San Francisco Chronicle (May 21): "Falwell’s dangerous values” misinterprets Jefferson’s “separation of Church and State." Did Jefferson fear that religion was “dangerous to democracy?” I suggest that Jefferson would turn over in his grave if he saw what his words have come to mean.
The wall of separation referred to federal, not state, power, and the statement was in response to the Danbury Baptists who wrote “Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty - … that religion is considered as the first object of Legislation; and therefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the State) we enjoy as favor granted…”
Jefferson’s response:
“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.” His concern was for religion to be free of federal interference.
Jefferson, contrary to popular opinion, believed in God. He believed in religion.
Jefferson's actions as President of the United States are important guidelines in understanding what he meant by the "wall of separation." In 1803, one year after the Danbury letter, Jefferson made a treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians, wherein he pledged money to build them a Roman Catholic Church and to support their priests — all from federal funds. Does that sound like Jefferson thought religion to be dangerous to democracy? He apparently saw no conflict between asking Congress to implement the treaty's provisions by appropriating funds, and the prohibition that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”
The wall of separation referred to federal, not state, power, and the statement was in response to the Danbury Baptists who wrote “Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty - … that religion is considered as the first object of Legislation; and therefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the State) we enjoy as favor granted…”
Jefferson’s response:
“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.” His concern was for religion to be free of federal interference.
Jefferson, contrary to popular opinion, believed in God. He believed in religion.
Jefferson's actions as President of the United States are important guidelines in understanding what he meant by the "wall of separation." In 1803, one year after the Danbury letter, Jefferson made a treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians, wherein he pledged money to build them a Roman Catholic Church and to support their priests — all from federal funds. Does that sound like Jefferson thought religion to be dangerous to democracy? He apparently saw no conflict between asking Congress to implement the treaty's provisions by appropriating funds, and the prohibition that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”
Sunday, May 20, 2007
"Crossroads" Volunteers Visit!
Miles Foley and Elizabeth Flessner with Fr. Armand Oliveri
and with Fr. Malloy (they're both about 6' 2"--Father is standing on a box or something)This weekend, at all the SS Peter and Paul Masses, we were visited by volunteers from “Crossroads,” an organization of young people who walk across the entire country in witness to the Culture of Life. Beginning in San Francisco, on May 20, they will finish up in Washington DC on August 11, in time for a pro-life rally at the Capitol.
We hope Miles and Elizabeth will send us pictures and stories from their trek across the USA--we'll post them here. May Mary Help of Christians guide their steps!
To learn more about these amazing young people, or to contribute, please go to http://www.crossroadswalk.com/
Thanks to "California Catholic Daily"!
“Father Malloy, you will be missed!”
Plain-spoken pro-life priest leaving San Francisco parish
"Father John Malloy, the outspoken pastor of Saints Peter & Paul church in San Francisco, will be leaving the parish next month. Fr. Malloy has inspired Catholics across California with his candid criticism of pro-abortion politicians, theological dissidents and inaccurate reporting on life issues in the secular press. “As many of you know, our beloved Fr. John Malloy’s six-year term as Pastor will be over in June,” reported the May 6 parish bulletin. “How much he has accomplished for Saints Peter and Paul, and for the entire Church in San Francisco! But his term is up, and he will be transferred to the Salesian Community in Richmond. There will be a going-away reception on Sunday, June 10, following the 1 p.m. Mass. "
Read the whole thing: http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=70f8067e-756e-4e46-bae0-cfd0913b0da4
Plain-spoken pro-life priest leaving San Francisco parish
"Father John Malloy, the outspoken pastor of Saints Peter & Paul church in San Francisco, will be leaving the parish next month. Fr. Malloy has inspired Catholics across California with his candid criticism of pro-abortion politicians, theological dissidents and inaccurate reporting on life issues in the secular press. “As many of you know, our beloved Fr. John Malloy’s six-year term as Pastor will be over in June,” reported the May 6 parish bulletin. “How much he has accomplished for Saints Peter and Paul, and for the entire Church in San Francisco! But his term is up, and he will be transferred to the Salesian Community in Richmond. There will be a going-away reception on Sunday, June 10, following the 1 p.m. Mass. "
Read the whole thing: http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=70f8067e-756e-4e46-bae0-cfd0913b0da4
Saturday, May 19, 2007
One Hundred Years
We worry about many things, but only one thing is necessary: SAVE YOUR SOUL!
I would like to tell you a bit of what life was like in the USA less than 20 years before I was born:
No flat screen televisions, not even any radios in the house. Toilets were in the back yard and coke was not even invented. Average life expectancy was less that 50 years. Less than 15% of homes had bathtubs and only about 8% had telephones. There were only 8,000 cars in the USA with 144 miles of paved road! I was soon to be in the number of less than one and a half million residents of the whole State of California at that time. Call me a native son!
Hawaii and Alaska (and three other states) had not been admitted to the Union. I was in Juneau, Alaska on the day of admission of that state and took part in the ceremony of the lowering of the Alaska flag and the raising of the Red White and Blue on July 4 (or thereabouts), 1958.
So that and a whole lot more has transpired since my coming into this world. Life is interesting and progress is awe inspiring, but the bottom line is: This too will pass away!
So back to basics, worry less, and do save your soul!
Following up on this, my friend Fr. Larry Lorenzoni, SDB, sent me the following:
Taxes in the USA in 2007:
Accounts Receivable Tax, Building Permit Tax, CDL license Tax, Cigarette Tax , Corporate Income Tax, Dog License Tax, Excise Taxes, Federal Income Tax, Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA), Fishing License Tax, Food License Tax, Fuel Permit Tax, Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon), Gross Receipts Tax, Hunting License Tax, Inheritance Tax, Inventory Tax, IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax), Liquor Tax, Luxury Taxes, Marriage License Tax, Medicare Tax, Personal Property Tax, Property Tax, Real Estate Tax, Service Charge Tax, Social Security Tax, Road Usage Tax, Sales Tax, Recreational Vehicle Tax, School Tax, State Income Tax, State Unemployment Tax (SUTA), Telephone Federal Excise Tax, Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax , Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes, Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax, Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax, Telephone State and Local Tax, Telephone Usage Charge Tax, Utility Taxes, Vehicle License Registration Tax, Vehicle Sales Tax, Watercraft Registration Tax, Well Permit Tax, Workers Compensation Tax. Not one of these taxes existed 100 years go, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened? And I still have to "press 1" for English.
I would like to tell you a bit of what life was like in the USA less than 20 years before I was born:
No flat screen televisions, not even any radios in the house. Toilets were in the back yard and coke was not even invented. Average life expectancy was less that 50 years. Less than 15% of homes had bathtubs and only about 8% had telephones. There were only 8,000 cars in the USA with 144 miles of paved road! I was soon to be in the number of less than one and a half million residents of the whole State of California at that time. Call me a native son!
Hawaii and Alaska (and three other states) had not been admitted to the Union. I was in Juneau, Alaska on the day of admission of that state and took part in the ceremony of the lowering of the Alaska flag and the raising of the Red White and Blue on July 4 (or thereabouts), 1958.
So that and a whole lot more has transpired since my coming into this world. Life is interesting and progress is awe inspiring, but the bottom line is: This too will pass away!
So back to basics, worry less, and do save your soul!
Following up on this, my friend Fr. Larry Lorenzoni, SDB, sent me the following:
Taxes in the USA in 2007:
Accounts Receivable Tax, Building Permit Tax, CDL license Tax, Cigarette Tax , Corporate Income Tax, Dog License Tax, Excise Taxes, Federal Income Tax, Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA), Fishing License Tax, Food License Tax, Fuel Permit Tax, Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon), Gross Receipts Tax, Hunting License Tax, Inheritance Tax, Inventory Tax, IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax), Liquor Tax, Luxury Taxes, Marriage License Tax, Medicare Tax, Personal Property Tax, Property Tax, Real Estate Tax, Service Charge Tax, Social Security Tax, Road Usage Tax, Sales Tax, Recreational Vehicle Tax, School Tax, State Income Tax, State Unemployment Tax (SUTA), Telephone Federal Excise Tax, Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax , Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes, Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax, Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax, Telephone State and Local Tax, Telephone Usage Charge Tax, Utility Taxes, Vehicle License Registration Tax, Vehicle Sales Tax, Watercraft Registration Tax, Well Permit Tax, Workers Compensation Tax. Not one of these taxes existed 100 years go, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened? And I still have to "press 1" for English.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Are they Excommunicated?
Have you noticed the uproar from the eighteen Catholic members of the U.S. House of Representatives who publicly criticized Pope Benedict XVI’s condemnation of politicians who support abortion “rights”? The pro-abortion Democratic Party has been ruffled by increased attention to the gulf of difference between US pro-abortion Catholic lawmakers and their alleged faith. The Party relies on Catholic voters to support their current Congressional majority, which they captured in 2006, in part through overtures by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi touting her “conservative Catholic” credentials despite her virulent opposition to the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of life.
“We are concerned with the pope’s recent statement warning Catholic elected officials that they risk excommunication and would not receive communion for their pro-choice views,” said the lawmakers, that included Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Joe Baca (Calif.), Patrick Kennedy (R.I.) and Carolyn McCarthy (N.Y.).
Well should they be concerned, if they still wish to call themselves Catholic! They are not risking excommunication; they have already excommunicated themselves by supporting abortion and are not worthy to receive Communion, as the Pope explained in his recent interview.
The statement went on: “The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America – it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution”
What nonsense! What about the fundamental belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which they are denying to the millions of the aborted? It is their role as lawmakers to uphold the rights of all, including the unborn.
In the May 14 statement, the Democratic congressmen said that the pope’s reiteration that Catholics who participate in the legislative promotion of abortion should consider themselves excommunicated “offend[s] the very nature of the American experiment and do[es] a great disservice to the centuries of good work the church has done,” reported The Hill. Again, nonsense! Supporting the unborn contributes to the value of life and supports the good work the Church has done. How can that be a disservice?
The Pope said pro-abortion politicians have “doubts about the value of life and the beauty of life and even doubt about the future.” “Selfishness and fear are at the root of pro-abortion legislation. We in the Church have a great struggle to defend life…life is a gift, not a threat.” (Peter J Smith, LifeSite)
Earlier in February, 55 Catholic House democrats led by Rep. DeLauro and joined by Speaker Pelosi released a self-proclaimed “historic Catholic Statement of Principles”, which gave lip service to the Church’s teachings on life, but justified support for legal abortion under “the primacy of conscience.”
Conscience has no primacy, if it is not well informed, and if it is not aligned to the Magisterium of the Church. Ignorance often excuses from sin, but politicians would not likely admit to ignorance. The Pope has spoken.
–Fr. John Malloy, S.D.B
“We are concerned with the pope’s recent statement warning Catholic elected officials that they risk excommunication and would not receive communion for their pro-choice views,” said the lawmakers, that included Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Joe Baca (Calif.), Patrick Kennedy (R.I.) and Carolyn McCarthy (N.Y.).
Well should they be concerned, if they still wish to call themselves Catholic! They are not risking excommunication; they have already excommunicated themselves by supporting abortion and are not worthy to receive Communion, as the Pope explained in his recent interview.
The statement went on: “The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America – it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution”
What nonsense! What about the fundamental belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which they are denying to the millions of the aborted? It is their role as lawmakers to uphold the rights of all, including the unborn.
In the May 14 statement, the Democratic congressmen said that the pope’s reiteration that Catholics who participate in the legislative promotion of abortion should consider themselves excommunicated “offend[s] the very nature of the American experiment and do[es] a great disservice to the centuries of good work the church has done,” reported The Hill. Again, nonsense! Supporting the unborn contributes to the value of life and supports the good work the Church has done. How can that be a disservice?
The Pope said pro-abortion politicians have “doubts about the value of life and the beauty of life and even doubt about the future.” “Selfishness and fear are at the root of pro-abortion legislation. We in the Church have a great struggle to defend life…life is a gift, not a threat.” (Peter J Smith, LifeSite)
Earlier in February, 55 Catholic House democrats led by Rep. DeLauro and joined by Speaker Pelosi released a self-proclaimed “historic Catholic Statement of Principles”, which gave lip service to the Church’s teachings on life, but justified support for legal abortion under “the primacy of conscience.”
Conscience has no primacy, if it is not well informed, and if it is not aligned to the Magisterium of the Church. Ignorance often excuses from sin, but politicians would not likely admit to ignorance. The Pope has spoken.
–Fr. John Malloy, S.D.B
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